The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to address the concerns of fisherfolk and ensure that interventions within the fisheries sector are responsive to the real needs of fishing communities across Ghana.
She made this declaration during a working visit to Buipe in the Savannah Region, where she engaged with members of the fishing community and assessed pressing challenges affecting the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
She was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Central Gonja and Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Abu Jinapor, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-ministerial collaboration and deliver practical solutions to improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
Mrs Arthur said that the visit formed part of the Ministry’s broader stakeholder engagement initiative, designed to deepen consultations with fishing communities across Ghana and ensure inclusive development within the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
She noted that the Ministry remains dedicated to implementing sustainable policies and targeted support programmes aimed at enhancing productivity, promoting responsible fisheries management and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.
During the engagement, community members and key stakeholders highlighted several critical issues requiring urgent government attention.
Among the most urgent concerns raised was the timely supply and effective distribution of premix fuel, which remains essential to the daily operations of fisherfolk in the area. Community members also cited inadequate access to essential fishing inputs needed to sustain and improve productivity on the water.
Women engaged in fish processing and trading further called for the provision of modern fish processing equipment to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. Some stakeholders also stressed the need for upgraded landing sites to enhance fish handling, storage and overall operational conditions.
Discussions also centred on the importance of strengthening infrastructure within the fisheries value chain to boost local economic activity and improve working conditions for fishing communities in the Savannah Region.
On his part, Mr John Abu Jinapor assured the people of Buipe of continued collaboration between relevant ministries to address the challenges raised and support the overall development of the fisheries sector in the Savannah Region.
The Buipe visit is part of a series of field engagements the Ministry has undertaken to assess sector challenges at the community level and align government interventions with the practical realities facing fisherfolk across the country.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
